The Ripple Effects of the SAG-AFTRA Strike on the UK Film and TV Industry
Over a year has passed since the SAG-AFTRA strike in the US, but its impact still looms large over the UK’s creative sector. A recent study conducted by the UK’s creative industries union Bectu reveals a troubling trend: more than half of the UK’s film and TV workers remain unemployed, highlighting a slow and challenging recovery for the industry.
According to Bectu’s survey, which included over 2,300 participants, 52% of film workers and 51% of those in TV drama are currently out of work. Even more concerning is the 57% unemployment rate among those in unscripted TV and 53% in the commercial sector. Although these figures represent a decrease from previous surveys (68% in February 2024 and 74% in September 2023), they indicate a sluggish return to normalcy.
The fallout from the strikes, which were primarily in response to disputes over pay, working conditions, and digital revenue, has had a profound effect on workforce morale. A staggering 38% of respondents now express intentions to leave the industry within the next five years, up from 24% in September 2023.
The disparity in unemployment rates among different ethnic groups is particularly disconcerting. Black/Black British workers report a 61% unemployment rate, Asian/Asian British 67%, and other minoritized groups 56%, compared to 51% for white workers. This imbalance not only underscores existing inequities but also threatens the diversity efforts within the industry.
Age also appears to play a significant role in employment prospects, with older workers facing higher rates of unemployment. Those aged over 65 have the highest rate at 68%, a stark contrast to the 31% among the younger demographic of 18-24 year-olds.
The mental and financial toll on workers is severe. An overwhelming 81% report worsening financial situations, with 21% resorting to loans or unsecured debts—a significant increase from 15% in September 2023. Additionally, 70% of the workers have struggled with mental health issues, mirroring the distressing 75% recorded earlier in the year.
Bectu has been vocal about the need for change, sharing poignant anonymous quotes from industry professionals. A sculptor shared their hardships, noting the year as one of the toughest both financially and emotionally, while a grip highlighted the exploitation within the industry.
Philippa Childs, head of Bectu, emphasized the urgent need for industry and governmental intervention. “The industry is changing form. It doesn’t feel temporary. It feels like a long-term change,” she stated. With a new government in place, Childs is hopeful for political support to address these issues robustly.
In conclusion, the prolonged impact of the SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild of America strikes has exposed deep-rooted problems in the UK film and TV industry, from high unemployment and potential skills exodus to worsening mental health and financial instability. The path to recovery is fraught with challenges, but it is imperative for both industry leaders and the government to take decisive actions to ensure the resilience and sustainability of this vital creative sector.
